Image via pixabayIncreased prices and wanting to make Christmas "extra special" are the main reasons why consumers plan to spend 1,200 euro this festive season.
That's up from an average of 1,000 euro last year, according to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
More than two thirds plan to use savings, while one in four will borrow money to pay for Christmas.
Households with children will spend almost 1,600 euro, with those aged 35-44 planning to spend an average of 1,500 euro.
CCPC director of communications, Grainne Griffin, has advice for people who haven't started their Christmas shopping:
"Take out the pen and paper or your mobile phone and start making your list. Make a list over EVERYTHING you need to buy this year - put down what you think it's going to cost and once you get your total you have to take a look at your bank account and what's due to come in and see if that's likely to be affordable".
"If not, is there anywhere you can cut to bring it down or do you have savings you can dip into."
